Navigating Career Transitions: From Nursing to Software Development: Part 1: Letting Go of the Life I Thought I Wanted

Embarking on a career change can be both exhilarating and terrifying. It’s stepping into the unknown, driven by the hope for something more fulfilling and aligned with who you truly are. In this post, I’m sharing my personal journey how I transitioned from studying and graduating as a nurse to pursuing a career in software development. Along the way, I’ll offer some reflections and tips for anyone navigating a similar path.

1. Self-Reflection: Facing the Truth

Before diving into a career transition, take a step back and ask yourself:

1. What genuinely excites me?
2. What am I naturally good at?
3. What kind of work brings me joy and peace?

For me, these questions weren’t easy to answer at first. I graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing in 2021 and became a Registered Nurse. However, deep down, I already knew the truth: I didn’t want to be a nurse.

The doubts started creeping in during my second year, and they hit hard by the third. Placements filled me with dread. Despite doing well academically, I felt completely disconnected from the work. I consistently scored above 70% in my exams, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong in this field. Emotionally, I was burnt out and disengaged.

Importantly, I never worked a day as a nurse after graduating. Not one. Eventually, I reached a breaking point where I knew no amount of money could make me do this job. Peace mattered more than any paycheck. And nursing, for me, brought anything but peace.

2. Research: Discovering What’s Out There

Letting go of nursing left me feeling lost. I had no backup plan. I was confused, regretful, and unsure of what I was even passionate about.

Then, when I began exploring other career options through YouTube videos, Reddit threads, and TikTok I found myself drawn to tech. I remembered how much I enjoyed Computing Science in high school and how curious I’d always been about how websites and software worked.

As I dug deeper into software development, a sense of excitement returned. I was finally curious again, and that curiosity felt like a lifeline.

3. Skill Assessment: Testing the Waters

Still, I didn’t want to jump in blindly. So, I signed up for an introductory web development course with Code First Girls.

That course changed everything. It was tough I was working and studying but it lit a spark in me. The structure, the logic, the creativity of coding it all made sense. I wasn’t just surviving the course. I was enjoying it.

That confirmation gave me the confidence to move forward. This was a path worth exploring.

4. Financial Planning: Being Realistic About the Shift

Career transitions aren’t just emotional they’re financial. I had to think about how I’d afford more education, whether I could go part-time at work, and what sacrifices I might need to make.

To stay afloat, I created a budget, looked into scholarships, and weighed my options. Although, it wasn’t easy, I kept telling myself: this is an investment in your future.

And it truly was.

5. Embracing Uncertainty: It’s Okay Not to Have All the Answers

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. Leaving a “secure” career path behind, stepping into a completely new field was daunting. Still, I had to embrace the discomfort. I reminded myself that clarity will come with time.

And it did.

6. Persistence & Resilience: It Got Messy Before It Got Better

My first term studying software development? It was a struggle. I was Juggling a full-time job with intense coursework left me failing some modules. I felt defeated.

However, I had to check myself. I had goals, and I knew this was just a hurdle. I adjusted my mindset and reminded myself why I started. I imagined the career I wanted, the lifestyle, the confidence, the income and that vision gave me fire.

I wasn’t just going to survive. I was going to thrive.

7. Seeking Support: Don’t Go It Alone

There were moments when I seriously considered quitting. One of the turning points was talking to a university counsellor. I was exhausted, emotionally drained, and unsure if I had what it took to keep going. They helped me see the bigger picture that my honours degree could open doors, and that I wasn’t stuck forever.

That conversation gave me the motivation to keep going.

8. Trusting Your Gut: It’s Your Life

When I finally decided to leave nursing behind, not everyone understood especially my parents. It was hard to explain why I was letting go of a “respectable” career for something so unfamiliar.

Nevertheless, I had to trust my instincts. I had to follow my own voice, not anyone else’s expectations. Looking back now, I can say it was the best decision I ever made.

Final Thoughts

Starting a new career is like opening a brand-new chapter in your life. It’s scary, yes but it can also be the most empowering thing you ever do. If you’re considering a change, here’s my advice:

1. Reflect on your interests and strengths.
2. Explore other fields without pressure.
3. Test things out through short courses.
4. Plan your finances carefully.
5. Seek support, emotional and professional.
6. Trust your intuition, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Because at the end of the day, it’s your life. Your happiness. Your peace. Your purpose. And you owe it to yourself to pursue a career that doesn’t just pay the bills but gives you peace of mind and pride in who you’re becoming.